MIAMI Testing For Out Of State Applicants [Archive] - Firehouse Forums

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bdharts

03-31-2009, 10:29 AM

Like so many, I recently applied for the Miami firefighter position. According to the original requirements that I read, it stated only "High school diploma or GED. Must be 18 years of age at time of application" (click link below and type in firefighter to see original posting).

https://exterd.miamidade.gov/psc/GUEST_1/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/MDC_CUSTOM_MENU.MDC_PAYPLAN_WE B.GBL

I live in North Carolina, and am scheduled to take the test on 4/15. The problem I discoverd is that the Miami Fire Department website states completely different requirements (click link below).

http://www.ci.miami.fl.us/Fire/pages/Firefighter.asp

I called the employment office and they confirmed the requirements on the website stating you must reside within the corporate limits of Miami-Dade County at the time of application, and up to the time of hire (unless currently a City employee), applicants must submit a valid Florida Driver’s License (Class E or higher) at time of application, and must be a current State of Florida Certified Emergency Medical Technician.

Needless to say I don't qualify for any of those requirements, but they still scheduled a test for me. They told me that I don't qualify for the position if I don't meet those requirements (obviously), even though I have a valid North Carolina Driver's License, and I am a North Carolina Certified EMT.

So for all you out of state applicants, you might want to call Miami's employment office, (305) 416-2170, before you make the trip down there.

If anyone finds out, or knows, anything different, please post it here.

Firemed08

03-31-2009, 10:49 AM

Quickly re-read over your post and you'll find your problem. You applied at the recent Miami-Dade COUNTY position in which you listed the link first. Then you go on and list a second link which is for the CITY of Miami. Im assuming you must have copied a phone number off of the City's website also?

The County is the one you want, with the 18 years of age, GED or Diploma. I have my written/audio on the 15th also. I hope this helps and see ya there. Good Luck.

bdharts

03-31-2009, 11:34 AM

Thanks Firemed08, stupid mistake on my part. Do you know how many applicants there are for Miami?

Firemed08

03-31-2009, 01:05 PM

No idea, i would imagine alot though.

jtucker1384

03-31-2009, 08:46 PM

i have my test on the 15th also, did you know you have to go to that college down there to take there entrance test acually it 2 different colleges you have to go to just a fyi i called the college and they said it had to be done in person.

Firemed08

03-31-2009, 10:44 PM

From what I understand you have take a Placement test once you get the "unconditional" job offer, so they can place you in the academy...i may be wrong..but from my understanding that doesnt take place until later on in the process.

LowBlazin

04-01-2009, 12:09 AM

Out of state tester here too. Im coming from Austin, TX. I called today and im scheduled for the morning on the 15th. I didnt write the address down and now the damn website is down though so i cant get the address. im trying to find a hotel near the testing site. Im sure it'll be up tomorrow. Hopefully plane tickets dont go up by tomorrow.

gilday

04-02-2009, 04:36 PM

I am scheduled to test April 21st. Advice on test prep from anyone?

Any idea when the CPAT will be scheduled for those who pass the audio/written?

cfish3321

04-02-2009, 07:37 PM

so you have to call in to get your test date? i filled an application out havent heard anything but just saw this posting. where do i get the number to call in

gilday

04-02-2009, 07:58 PM

This is the info straight from MDFR:

Those who have applied must access www.miamidade.gov/erd/test or call (305) 375-0297 (option 2) between Monday, March 30, 2009 and Sunday, April 12, 2009 to obtain location, date, and time for the required audio/written test.

jtucker1384

04-02-2009, 09:41 PM

just an FYI for all taking the test. "Just heard the Chief of Miami-Dade today talk of the same thing..Layoffs and possible reductions in the response to emergencies". Just seen this on a different forum just want to let everyone know what was going on. I'm am not sure what that means for this hiring process but i am sure it will affect it.

gilday

04-16-2009, 04:06 PM

Firemed08

04-16-2009, 10:12 PM

I just took the test yesterday morning..I personally thought it was very very easy, especially the audio. I didnt have any question on the test that i had to second guess myself. The proctor in the beginning also states that they will be testing the whole month of March, so dont plan on calling for results till the end of May. I think there were approx. 500 seats and it seemed to me 1/4 to 1/2 didnt even show for my testing session.

Also just an opinion of mine....its been made very clear multiple times that you should not bring your cell phone into the testing facility, nor even to the test, yet I realized multiple people were standing in line chatting around on the cell phones...??? It even came down to the proctors made a special line for people who had cell phones so they could "register" their phones so after the test they could pick them back up. At what point do the enforce "following directions"????

Anywho...yeah I thought it was cake..and there really isnt anything to study or prepare yourself for. GOOD LUCK!

gilday

04-20-2009, 09:29 PM

gilday

04-21-2009, 03:03 PM

I tested this morning. It was as reported, it consisted of the fundamentals. I prepared with a prep book that was much more difficult.

A procter told me that 9,412 tests had been scheduled for the month. I can concur that about 1/4 of the seats were empty out of roughly 500 although whether that was planned or people just missed it I don't know.

Yes, people forgot and brought their cell phones.

I hope the CPAT goes as easily for me but I am preparing as much as I can regardless.

Good luck to everyone.

Silent8404

04-21-2009, 04:08 PM

I also took my test on the 15th and thought it was very easy. Does anyone know if it's pass/fail or are they only bringing back a certain percentage? As for the CPAT, it's so easy. If you are worried about the CPAT then you really need to start getting in shape. I'm coming from California and it kind of sucks that I have to fly all the way back to take a CPAT when I already have a valid one. Oh well. Good luck. Wow 9000 people to take the test...

gilday

04-22-2009, 12:01 AM

No, the test is not pass/fail. Based on the results they have a cut off point and everyone above it comes back for the cpat.

LowBlazin

05-30-2009, 09:08 PM

Got my results, says im qualified. Too bad it doesnt show an actual ranking. Hopefully i'll be ready for the cpat. Been hitting the gym strong.

drod17

06-01-2009, 02:38 PM

I qualified too. Ranking does not matter. They go by "categories" ie. ff, ff/emt, ff/medic, no certs ect. As far as the C-PAT I hope it is soon, I hate the waiting game. You could have passed with a low score...it still does not matter. I hear they are high on people with certs though.

Silent8404

06-02-2009, 12:53 AM

I also qualified, now the wait to see what info if any comes down. CPAT is easy guys, no indication of what the academy will be like, way to easy for someone to guage how well in shape they are. Any clue as to the steps in the process?

gilday

06-03-2009, 11:13 AM

Finally some results. How did you receive it? Mail or email? It doesn't give a score but it says you're qualified?

Silent8404

06-03-2009, 11:29 AM

The website says I qualified and now I got some weird email in my spam folder that says I didnt. Anyone get the same thing?

gilday

06-03-2009, 11:50 AM

The website says I qualified and now I got some weird email in my spam folder that says I didnt. Anyone get the same thing?

Yes, I received the same email in my inbox. I called into HR and I was told that there has been an error. Emails were automatically generated that were not correct and they are currently working on the problem.

Directly from the website:

Important Notice: If you received an automated message on either June 2 or June 3 from Miami-Dade County regarding your application for employment, please disregard it. This email was sent in error as part of routine system maintenance.

LowBlazin

06-03-2009, 01:59 PM

I just got the same email. I dont know what to think right now. Im qualified but email says no. I can only hope this is an error.

Firemed08

06-03-2009, 08:22 PM

Yes as all of the rest of you, I was first told I am qualified, and early this morning I recieved an email stating I am not moving on in the process. I emailed them back and was told to call them. They assured me it was a mistake and that it will be fixed.

Correct me if I am wrong....after reviewing the MDFR website, it states that once a class has been scheduled then they will start notifying people (veterans first) about the next step. So this sounds like it will be quite awhile, unless they have alot of openings already and planned on making a class or two in the next month or so....

Does anyone have any idea on when and how many classes they usually run??

gilday

06-04-2009, 11:21 AM

Correct me if I am wrong....after reviewing the MDFR website, it states that once a class has been scheduled then they will start notifying people (veterans first) about the next step. So this sounds like it will be quite awhile, unless they have alot of openings already and planned on making a class or two in the next month or so....

Does anyone have any idea on when and how many classes they usually run??

True, this is certainly just the beginning of a lengthy process.

As you stated, veterans will walk through the cpat first and each recruit class will follow.

No idea how many classes they run simultaneously but it is still my understanding that a final eligibility list is not composed until all qualified candidates complete each part of the process, which includes backgrounds and the oral interview.

Silent8404

06-04-2009, 02:49 PM

So there are interviews within the process, I have heard from some people that they don't do interviews.

gilday

06-04-2009, 03:32 PM

So there are interviews within the process, I have heard from some people that they don't do interviews.

Well, I don't know that for certain. I will try to check on the interview portion.

That would speed things up if they could put together a list based off the audio/written exam and a passing cpat score.

drod17

06-04-2009, 09:08 PM

gilday

06-05-2009, 10:09 PM

There are no interviews....from reading their website, if you are not notified, you may never move on to the c-pat. On their website they have a link on the right hand side called firefighter supplamental infrmation and it states "those who pass the written/audio portion will be placed on an eligibility list". I hope it is the way one of you stated, that a final list will not be composed until everyone passess the c-pat and the other portions of the process.

I've read it as well and there is no mention of an oral interview. However, doesn't that seem hard to believe?

To be hired into a large and highly sought after department yet never sit down for a face-to-face interview?

drod17

06-05-2009, 11:31 PM

No interview... these are the steps in the process

1. audio written
2. cpat orientation
3. cpat
4. PEPP I
5. PEPP II (background check) pre conditional job offer....
6. medical/physical

final job offer....

academy non certified i think is about 6 mon ?

and in my case fully certified academy is 14 weeks.

GFD1FF

06-06-2009, 12:46 AM

I've read it as well and there is no mention of an oral interview. However, doesn't that seem hard to believe?

To be hired into a large and highly sought after department yet never sit down for a face-to-face interview?

No, neither FDNY nor DCFD use a face-to-face oral interview in their process.

gilday

06-06-2009, 02:06 PM

No, neither FDNY nor DCFD use a face-to-face oral interview in their process.

Interesting. Thank you for the info.

Firemed08

06-06-2009, 02:50 PM

It is quite hard to believe to hire without actual face-to-face interviews. Dont quote me on this but it might be due to the County being quite large, and mass hiring is just the way to go...???

Anyways my friend just started D.C.'s academy acouple weeks back and he also didnt have a face-to-face interview. If I recall all he had was the "app.", a CPAT, "Blue Book" (Background), and then his medical screening/polygraph. That process went actually very quickly for him also!! Hope for the best!

Silent8404

06-11-2009, 02:27 PM

has anyone here ever been through this process before?

LowBlazin

06-11-2009, 08:59 PM

anyone know what PEPP is. if anyone has any info on when a cpat may be would be helpful too. its hard to make plans when i have no idea how far a cpat could be.

gilday

07-07-2009, 10:07 AM

New to the hiring page of the MDFR website since I last checked:

"MDFR has received grant funding to hire six certified firefighter paramedics. Pursuant to federal requirements qualified veterans will receive hiring preference."

It still reads that no classes have been scheduled yet. Anyone have a guess as to whether we get a crack at the cpat prior to 2010?

mikesica78

07-30-2009, 11:36 AM

gilday

07-31-2009, 10:51 AM

I dont think anything will happen until the County Mayor and Commission approve a budget. Budget hearings are Sept 3 and Sept 17.

Check out MDFR Union Website for more info.

http://www.local1403.org/index.cfm?section=1

Another postponement. I agree that no decisions will be made until they resolve the budget and possible cuts.

drod17

07-31-2009, 11:54 PM

gilday

08-03-2009, 11:55 AM

If you read the proposed 09-10 budget on the Miami Dade website under Fire Rescue. It reads that there will be no funding for firefighter recruit classes for this fiscal year..you will have to scroll down some.Lets hope something different happens in Sept. when the final budget is voted on. This cannot go on forever.

Thanks for the heads up, I believe I found what you did. You're correct, it does not read well at all. Something will have to change or we will be completely frozen out for the next year.

From the proposed budget:

Fire Rescue
• MDFR will reduce the Anti-venom unit staff ($480,000, four positions); only one person will be assigned full-time to
the unit, the rest of the coverage will be provided by staff from other units on stand-by, the positions will be frozen,
staff will be reassigned to operations reducing overtime and filling attrition vacancies as they occur; reduce training
staff ($987,000, seven positions), this will have minimum impact for new training since all classes were cancelled
as part of reductions in suppression and rescue, it will have an impact in recertification classes; the positions will be
frozen, staff will be reassigned to operations reducing overtime and filling attrition vacancies as they occur
• The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR) will not purchase gear and equipment due to the cancellation of
all MDFR firefighter classes ($411,000); and will postpone the replacement of two fire suppression units
($945,000)
• MDFR will implement the following cost containment actions: return the Key Biscayne Fire Station (Station 15) to
the FY 2004-05 service level ($1.4 million, 15 positions); end the Motorcycle Emergency Response Team (MERT)
program ($907,000, five positions); cancel all MDFR firefighter classes ($1.613 million), the Department will fill
attrition vacancies with redeployed sworn personnel; reduce the Dive Bureau staff ($264,000, two positions)
resulting in less availability to provide divers training and re-certification; reduce the marine operations staff
($100,000); and not deploy Fire Boat 2 at Haulover Marina ($2.4 million, 18 positions) increasing the response time
to maritime emergencies on the North end of the County; all positions associated with these actions will be frozen,
48
staff will be reassigned to operations reducing overtime and filling attrition vacancies as they occur
• The Department will have to implement the following cost containment actions: cut the Fire Rescue District funding
for the MDFR Cadet program ($500,000) substituting part of the funding with funds from the South Florida
Workforce; eliminating a planning position ($114,000, one position); eliminating balance of funds for debt service
obligations for new bond issuance ($2 million) delaying the construction of new facilities; and reducing the
operation contingency reserve ($4.750 million)
• The FY 2009-10 Proposed Resource Allocation Plan includes delaying the new bond issuance, resulting in a
reduction of debt service obligation ($2 million); reducing technology expenses ($700,000); eliminating the
Wellness Center subsidy ($200,000); reducing travel and registration ($500,000); eliminating the Public Education
Bureau ($708,000, seven positions); reducing contingency reserve ($243,000); and making administrative
reductions ($2.965 million 28 positions); eight sworn positions associated with these actions will be frozen, sworn
staff will be reassigned to operations reducing overtime and filling attrition vacancies as they occur
• The FY 2009-10 Proposed Resource Allocation Plan includes reductions for regional services supported by the
corresponding general fund, including Air Rescue outside contracts ($500,000), contracted repairs ($100,000),
travel expenses ($25,000), registration fees ($100,000), other fuel and lubricants ($200,000) and special
equipment ($96,000); Communications Division outside maintenance ($200,000), hardware/cable installation
($20,000), registration fees ($10,000), furniture ($5,000), and building equipment ($100,000); Ocean Rescue light
equipment related expenses ($10,000) and new equipment purchase ($50,000); and the support for the Dial-a-Life
program ($130,000 one position)
• The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR) continues the following reductions implemented in FY 2008-09
into the FY 2009-10 Proposed Resource Allocation Plan: savings due to reduction in Ocean Rescue (lifeguards)
operations schedule during off-peak hours on weekdays ($447,000); reductions in operation expenses in Air
Rescue and Ocean Rescue for training, insurance, parts, travel, registration and capital expenses ($421,000)

drod17

08-03-2009, 11:37 PM

Here is an article from the miami herald....there is no money for recruit classes, yet they are thinking of adding another station??? I guess they will be pulling more people (who are certified FF/PM) from administration positions and putting them on regular shifts. They have been doing this for about 2yrs. does anyone know how many Classes there were in 07 and 08? I think the last class to go through had about 13 recruits, this was this year. The flood gates have to open soon, hopefully not 2011

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue may take over Eastern Shores station
North Miami Beach is close to a deal with Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue to run a station in the Eastern Shores neighborhood, which is now handled by a private company.
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BY CARLI TEPROFF
cteproff@MiamiHerald.com
A privately run fire rescue station located in North Miami Beach's Eastern Shores neighborhood could soon be taken over by Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue.

City Manager Kelvin Baker said that he has worked out a deal with Miami-Dade's fire chief -- which still needs approval by the county commission and the North Miami Beach City Council -- that would save the city more than $300,000.

``It seems that this could finally be the answer,'' Baker said at a budget workshop on Monday.

The station has drawn controversy for years.

It was set up in the mid-1980s because railroad tracks and a drawbridge interfered with emergency response from the existing stations in North Miami Beach and Sunny Isles Beach.

Those who live in Eastern Shores believe that as the city's largest contributor to the tax base, it deserves to have the station.

``We have little to show for the money we are paying,'' said Bert Kehren Thursday in a phone interview.

But some residents said that the station should never have been funded by the city's general fund because it only services one neighborhood.

``It should be a special taxing district,'' said North Miami Beach activist Richard Reiss.

The rescue station always comes up during campaign season -- with candidates making promises to come up with a solution. The station is now run by American Medical Response.

Baker said for months he has been in negotiations with the county to come up with an agreement that would allow the county to house a fire rescue truck in Eastern Shores. The city would pay about $130,000 instead of $450,000.

``We are moving in that direction,'' said Elizabeth Calzadilla-Fiallo, spokeswoman for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department. ``There is something in the works.''

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman -- who represents North Miami Beach -- said the deal benefits both the city and the county.

``They get better service for less money,'' she said. ``It's very prudent on their part.''

Mayor Myron Rosner agreed, saying he also wants the county to step in.

``We are way ahead from where we were yesterday,'' Rosner said. ``We need to take it and say thank you.''

Added Baker, with a bit of humor: ``And run as fast as we can.''